Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Thing 10: The Virtual Library Branch

While I've heard terms like ebook, eaudiobook, mp3 player, ipod, and evideo I really could never understand what they all did. I spent about 45 minutes with Ricki N. who helped me download a book and a video. She really helped me make sense of the variety of things we have. It is incredible and I strongly recommend her help if you need someone to get you through Thing 10.

As for my thoughts on the Library website, I think it's incredible. It looks great---I especially like that the homepage changes weekly and the changing pictures each week always give it a fresh look (can we get a cat picture one of these weeks?) After looking at some of the 'best public library websites' I would recommend adding a page where patrons could give gifts/donations. AHML has this kind of page and allows people to charge their donations. Another addition might be to have photos of the Board members, along with some info on each---ie how long they've served on the Board, their terms, any committees they're on, their memberships, their qualifications, and an email link.

Thing 9: Google Tools

Google Docs was easy to use, although I still prefer my familiar Microsoft Word. I couldn't find the toolbar to set the tabs but I can see how this can be helpful if you are doing a lot of editing and many people are involved and you don't want a zillion emails going back and forth.

I also checked out Google Maps. I was able to do a 360 on Oakton Street and see the Library and then travel down Oakton to Oakton Park. This is amazing albeit a little scary. Although this could also be useful if you're traveling to a new place and want to check it out in advance.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Thing 8: Wikis

Wikis are very interesting. I enjoyed entering info on the Library's wiki but being skeptical, I would be a leary of using a wiki for definitive concrete information. I guess I wouldn't trust that the info would be correct since I really don't know the source and, as I understand it, information could be changing all the time.

Thing 7: Podcasting

I listened to one library podcast that interviewed one of the 2007 Library Journal Movers and Shakers. It was interesting but would have benefited from a photo. I listened to another podcast re restaurant reviews in Chicago. This one had links and photos---much more interesting. I can see podcasting as a useful tool in promoting the Library or use at a board meeting so it can be listening to by the public or staff . Really easy to use!

Things 6: Social Bookmarking

Using delicious was very easy. I can see how this can add organization to your bookmarks.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Thing 5: Flicker

This was so cool. This would be a great way to keep a photo history of the Library. There are many photos sitting in files that could be scanned and put on a Flickr page; new pages could be added as the Library changes. We could also have a trustee page with their photo and bios about each one that patrons might find interesting.

My Sweetie Pies


My Sweetie Pies
Originally uploaded by theskokieten
Michael and Hal, Fall 2007

George Dickens


George Dickens
Originally uploaded by theskokieten
My 14 year old kitty in his favorite chair.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Thing 4

Wow! Thing 4 was interesting. I created a Myspace profile and I can see why this is so addicting. You can ask all kinds of people to be your 'friends' and this can just go on and on. I like the fact that you can lie about your age too.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Thing 3: Instant Messaging

I've never used IM before and this was quite interesting. It could be more useful than email if your partner is available online. Watched a few items on YouTube---was eyeopening and hypnotic. You could spend days on YouTube.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Thing 2

This was very interesting. I found Mark Da Rosa's (Chicago Cubs) blog on the post season that came up on one of my RSS feeds. Wow! Totally cool. I will be adding many more subscriptions!

Monday, October 1, 2007

The 10 Things

Thing 1: Blogs. This was quite easy to set up just by following the instructions given by the 10 Things Team. Blogs at the Library may be good for patron feedback.